The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
People who enjoy exercise didn't need to take the holiday season off. Even though Christmas and New Years is usually a time for eggnog, turkey, and visiting, there was also plenty to do recreation-wise for those who were so inclined. In addition to public skating most evenings and the odd hockey practice or volleyball game, there was the annual Boxing Day hockey game. It apparently drew some in-town talent, but very few out-of-town participants. "This year's game wasn't great," said veteran blue liner and rabid Leaf fan Ted Stabback. "It doesn't seem like any of the guys coming back for Christmas bother with it anymore. I think our turnout was maybe 16 or so. It used to be more like three lines on each side, but then there were a lot more senior hockey players around in those days. Stabback says that instead of the older guys (who have moved away to work) coming back for Christmas and playing in the game, it's the kids who are away playing Jr. and 'AAA' Midget hockey that are coming out to play. "That isn't a bad thing," said the grizzled backguard. "Two hours of playing against kids half my age gets rid of the turkey." Stabback said that he didn't catch the score, but he knew who won. "The white team always wins," he stated matter-of-factly. "This year wasn't any different." He explained that the two teams (black and white) play games up to five, and then switch ends, so there are no complaints about the goalies. "No matter which goalie we have, the white teams just gets better and better. A lot like the Leafs," he jibed. Snow Lake's Senior Varsity Girl's volleyball team received some excellent news this week. They have been awarded the 2003 Manitoba Hydro PowerSmart Sportsmanship Award for Volleyball. Although the team was informed of the honour and the banner is on display in the school office, the official presentation won't take place until later in the month. The team was nominated for the award by referees at the recent Provincial Championships in Landmark MB, and some of the criterion for the achievement includes positive team behaviour and the collective attitude displayed on and off the court at this recent tournament. The school was advised that Morris Glimcher of the Manitoba High School Athletics Association stated that the tournament referees were extremely impressed with the girl's team character and encouraging outlook in the face of the solid opposition they faced during the competition. "They are wonderful people" were words which were also used to describe the girls. Both the Joseph H. Kerr School and the Town of Snow Lake are extremely proud of the Senior Girl's volleyball team. In other recreation news, on January 2 to 4, the local Legion Branch hosted the District #1 North Meeting and Sports Weekend. In addition to the weekend's meetings, over 90 northern legionnaires took part in curling, cribbage, darts, and shuffleboard. Legion President Iona Johnston stated that it was a great weekend for all involved, but also a very busy one for local members. As well as taking part in the sporting events and meetings attendees did their part for the recent BSE (Mad Cow) scare, enjoying a beef-on-a-bun luncheon on Friday and a roast beef dinner on Saturday evening. Local Legion forces are revving up for another big event next month, when they host the Legion Provincial Playdowns. It will no doubt prove to be as successful as this past weekend's endeavor.
